How to verify a real estate license in Michigan (5 professions)

The five professions and where to check them

Real estate agents and brokers

The Occupational Code defines a real estate broker as someone who, for a fee, sells, lists, buys or negotiates real estate for others, or leases it, or manages property (MCL 339.2501(u)). A real estate salesperson is an individual employed by a licensed broker to do those things (MCL 339.2501(v)). An associate broker is licensed as a broker but works for another broker (MCL 339.2501(a)).

To check one:

1. Open LARA’s Accela Citizen Access portal and choose “Search for a Licensee.”
2. Search by name or license number.
3. Confirm the license type, its status and expiration, and the broker the salesperson works for. The Code treats the broker as responsible for supervising licensees even when they are independent contractors (MCL 339.2501(g)).

Broker applicants must complete at least 90 clock hours of approved classroom courses, including 9 hours on civil rights and fair housing law (MCL 339.2504(1)). Our real estate commission guide explains how agents are paid.

Mortgage loan originators (NMLS)

Under MCL 493.135(1), an individual may not act as a mortgage loan originator for a Michigan dwelling without a license under the Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Act, and each licensed originator must hold a unique identifier from the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. The Act names exemptions, including a person negotiating a loan for an immediate family member or on a home that was their own residence (MCL 493.135(2)).

The CFPB points consumers to NMLS Consumer Access, a free service “where you can” see whether a company or professional is authorized to do business in your state. The CFPB adds that you can usually check for disciplinary orders with your state regulator. Search by name or NMLS ID at nmlsconsumeraccess.org. See also our guide on private mortgage insurance for loan costs.

Home inspectors

We read the sections of the Occupational Code (Act 299 of 1980) that create Michigan’s licensed occupations, including real estate, appraisal and surveying, and found no article that licenses home inspectors. We could not open LARA’s own website to confirm this, so ask LARA directly. In practice, that means:

• Ask an inspector which training, association membership or insurance they hold, and ask for proof.
• Read a sample report before hiring.
• Do not assume that a title like “licensed inspector” refers to a Michigan state license.

Our home inspection cost guide covers prices.

Appraisers (LARA and the national registry)

Michigan licenses appraisers in four categories: limited, state licensed, certified residential and certified general. The department licenses an individual who is at least 18, of good moral character, and meets the education, exam and experience criteria of the national Appraiser Qualifications Board (MCL 339.2610).

Two Michigan rules help you read an appraisal-related document:

• An appraisal is an opinion of the value of real property. A broker’s market analysis is not an appraisal. If a broker charges a fee for it, the document must state in bold print that it is “a market analysis, not an appraisal” prepared by a broker, not a licensed appraiser (MCL 339.2601(a)).
• An appraiser must follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (MCL 339.2605).

For the federal check, the Appraisal Subcommittee’s Appraiser Registry searches by state, certificate type (Certified General, Certified Residential or Licensed), and first and last name. The ASC page directs you to the state agency for credential updates, so use LARA for the license’s current status. Our home appraisal cost guide covers fees.

Land surveyors

Michigan licenses professional surveyors under Article 20 of the Code. To qualify, an individual needs at least 8 years of professional experience (no more than 5 of them education), a surveying or related degree, passing exams, and good moral character (MCL 339.2004(3)). The “practice of professional surveying” includes land surveying to determine or describe a boundary for conveyance (MCL 339.2001(f)). Look up a surveyor on the LARA licensee search, and see our land survey cost guide.

What to do if a license is expired or suspended

• Treat the person as unlicensed. MCL 339.601(3) says a person whose license is suspended, revoked or lapsed, “as determined by the records of the department,” is considered unlicensed.
• Know the penalty. Practicing without a license is a misdemeanor: up to $500 or 90 days in jail, or both, for a first violation; up to $1,000 or one year for later ones (MCL 339.601(4), (5)). Unlicensed residential builders face higher penalties (MCL 339.601(6)).
• File a complaint. A complaint that someone violated the Code must be lodged with the department, and the Attorney General, the department, a board or any other person may file one (MCL 339.501).
• Do not sign yet. Pause any contract, payment or listing agreement until the status is cleared in writing.